The Invicta Dynamos’ first clash of a double header weekend was abandoned in the 35th minute on Saturday evening after a number of on and off ice issues saw the Cardiff ENL Devils unwilling to complete the tie.

The club must now await the decision of the EIHA with regards to the outcome of the fixture.

The first incident occurred just under midway through the second period as Ryan Giles intervened on a clash between Corey Watkins and David Sadler to partake in a fight that would see him accrue a match penalty. On Sadler’s return to the away bench an altercation between a supporter seated in the stands and the Cardiff team then escalated beyond a reasonable level. The Invicta Dynamos are committed to making hockey in Gillingham a family friendly environment and cannot condone the involvement of fans in any action against the visiting team. However, equally, it is unacceptable for players or staff to react to any provocation, especially in a dangerous manner that involves the use of their hockey stick.

The second incident then occurred in the 35th minute as Cardiff forward Ricky Deacon collided with goalie Andy Moffat whilst the shot stopper was playing the puck behind his own net. A line brawl followed involving Callum Fowler, Justin Noble, Callum Best, Jack Tarczycki and Alastair Band of the Dynamos and Ricky Deacon, Jordan Powell, Geovanni Raffaelli, Tom Smith and Gareth Dixon of the ENL Devils. Of these, Alastair Band was penalised most severely with a match penalty. In the aftermath of the line brawl, and with play halted, a brief altercation between Grant Baxter and Ricky Deacon near the home bench seemingly drew blood with Baxter later handed a match penalty for roughing.

Finally, whilst resurfacing of the ice was being attempted, the ENL Devils proved uncooperative and match referee W. Hewitt eventually dispatched both sides to their respective dressing rooms. Cardiff then refused to reappear and prevented play from recommencing resulting in the tie being abandoned.

The Invicta Dynamos regret the unsatisfactory conclusion of the fixture for both fans and players alike and will make a further statement when the EIHA have confirmed their decision on the outcome of the tie. The team are next in action on Sunday as they travel to Essex to face the Romford Raiders.